Commuting in Singapore has long been a topic of interest, and with the changing dynamics of work, it’s more relevant than ever. As part of its "Commuters in Singapore Survey 2025," BudgetDirect, in collaboration with YouGov, surveyed over 1,000 working Singaporeans to better understand how people get to work, the transport choices they make, and what truly matters to them when commuting. The findings reveal trends that reflect both the modern needs of the workforce and the ongoing changes in commuting habits.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey paints a picture of a city-state that continues to prioritize convenience, time efficiency, and sustainability in its commuting practices. Let’s take a deeper dive into the statistics and findings that matter most for Singaporean commuters.
More Office Days, Hybrid Work Gains Momentum
Since the pandemic, commuting patterns have undergone a significant shift. While more than half of respondents (57%) are fully back in the office, hybrid work arrangements remain prevalent. Hybrid workers, for instance, tend to work from the office earlier in the week, with Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays seeing the highest office attendance. As of the survey, the days with the most office activity were:
- Wednesday: 69% of respondents are on-site.
- Tuesday: 63% in the office.
- Monday: 59% work on-site.
By Friday, the numbers drop significantly, with only 41% of respondents heading to the office. This reflects a shift towards greater flexibility as the week progresses, with more employees enjoying the balance of remote work by the end of the workweek.
Top Modes of Transport
When it comes to transportation, Singaporeans rely heavily on public options, with the MRT and LRT being the most popular choice for 60% of respondents. Public buses follow closely, with 56% of commuters choosing this option. Walking remains a common mode of transport, with 25% of respondents opting to walk to work.
Private car usage is still significant, but far fewer people drive compared to taking public transport—only 23% of commuters rely on private cars, and just 12% use private hire services such as Grab or Gojek.
Commuting Preferences: Convenience, Time, and Cost
What drives commuters' choices? The survey reveals that when choosing their mode of transport, Singaporeans prioritize:
- Convenience (69%)
- Commute Time (66%)
- Cost (60%)
These factors top the list, while other considerations like waiting time (52%), accessibility (44%), comfort (39%), safety (33%), and sustainability (18%) hold lesser weight.
The trend is clear: Singaporeans are all about practicality when it comes to commuting. While sustainability has grown in importance, it’s still not the driving force behind commuting decisions, with convenience and efficiency ruling the day.
The Perfect Commute: Balancing Time and Satisfaction
How long is the typical Singaporean’s commute? According to the survey, the majority of respondents (32%) have a commute of 31 to 45 minutes, while 26% spend 46 to 60 minutes commuting. Although the average commute duration is around 30 to 45 minutes, how commuters feel about this varies significantly.
- 16-30 minutes: The majority (72%) find this duration “just right.”
- 31-45 minutes: While most consider this “just right,” nearly a third feel it’s too long.
- 46-60 minutes: A staggering 56% view this duration as “long” and too much of a time investment.
For many, the perfect commute falls within the 16 to 30-minute range, with longer durations leading to growing dissatisfaction.
Impact of Hybrid Work on Commuting Patterns
Hybrid work has had an undeniable impact on commuting habits. As employees embrace a blend of remote and office work, fewer workers are on the roads during traditional peak hours, leading to reduced crowding during rush hours, particularly on Fridays.
The shift in office attendance, with the majority heading in early in the week, has made Friday a less congested day, while Mondays to Wednesdays still experience the highest commuting activity. This subtle shift shows that while hybrid work has introduced flexibility, traditional rush hours are far from gone.
Commuting Time as a Job Factor
Perhaps one of the most striking findings of the survey was how crucial commute time is when considering a new job. A staggering 95% of respondents cited commute time as a key factor in their job decisions. For many, it’s not just about the job itself, but also about how long they have to spend traveling to and from the office.
Shorter commutes are associated with greater job satisfaction, with workers preferring opportunities that don’t involve long travel times. For those with commutes over 45 minutes, dissatisfaction with travel duration is evident, suggesting a misalignment between current commuting patterns and desired job conditions.
The Future of Commuting in Singapore: A Car-Lite Society
Singapore’s vision of a car-lite future is driving ongoing transformations in its transport landscape. The government’s push to reduce reliance on private cars is evident in its policies and infrastructure developments. Initiatives like expanding the MRT network, improving bus services, and promoting active mobility are reshaping how people commute. The city-state is committed to creating a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and accessible transport system for the future.
The introduction of new MRT lines and the expansion of cycling paths are key components of this strategy, and with stricter regulations around car ownership—such as the high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)—Singapore aims to encourage the use of public transport, walking, and cycling.
Read More: https://www.budgetdirect.com.sg/car-insurance/research/commuters-in-singapore-survey-statistics
Conclusion: The Evolving Commuter Landscape
As Singapore continues to adapt to new work models and a car-lite future, commuting remains a top priority for both employers and employees. The rise of hybrid work and public transport’s dominance are shaping the future of commuting, but it’s clear that the balance between convenience, cost, and time will continue to guide transport choices for years to come.
For employers, understanding the commuting habits of their workforce can be key to creating a conducive work environment, whether it’s offering flexible hours, considering decentralised office locations, or supporting remote work. And for Singapore’s commuters, the ongoing improvements in transport infrastructure, coupled with government policies, promise to make daily travel even more efficient and sustainable.
By prioritising convenience, reducing commute times, and embracing sustainable transport options, Singapore is setting the stage for a future where commuting is not just a necessity, but an integral part of the work-life balance.